Democracy at its Finest: Thousands celebrate in Turkey after failed Coup

Thousands came out in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square, to celebrate the dismemberment of the military coup that sparked on Thursday night.

The coup took the world by surprise.

The public were chanting, cheering, clapping and at some times fireworks were lit whilst music was heard throughout the streets.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the public in Istanbul. During his speech he pointed to the US stating for them to not get involved and extradite or arrest the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen, a Muslim cleric who was a former ally of Turkey and is now living in exile in the US, has been accused of being behind the coup attempt.

“Dear President Obama, I told you this before, arrest Fethullah Gulen or return him to Turkey. You didn’t listen. I call you on you again, after the coup attempt – extradite this man from Pennsylvania to Turkey. If we are strategic partners, do what is necessary,” Erdogan said.

Any nation supporting Gulen is “an open enemy of Turkey” – Erdogan.

So far 6,000 coup members have been arrested as Turkish authorities have continued their shut down in the aftermath of the attempted coup.

The coup left at least 265 people dead.

Generals were also included in this 6,000 that have been detained, whilst arrest warrants were issued for 2,745 judges.